Tag Archives: Parliamentary

Travel & Tourism

Your Neighbourhood Guide to the East City Precinct

Maravi Post Reporter

The East City Precinct, situated between Cape Town’s parliamentary buildings and District Six, is lined with restaurants, cafés, museums, and trendy spaces for both day and night exploration.

Here’s everything you should do on your next visit: 

Where to Go 

Urban Safari by City Sightseeing 

Explore the streets, colourful markets, art scene, and foodie experiences on an Urban Safari. Led by an expert guide, this immersive cultural journey reveals the people and stories that have shaped the area. Along the way, you will visit known landmarks, including St George’s Cathedral, Iziko South African Museum, District Six Museum, and the Castle of Good Hope. The Urban Safari is free with Premium and Deluxe tickets, and costs just R30 with a Classic Ticket. 

Website: citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town/urban-safari 

District Six Museum 

The museum is more than just a collection of photographs and artefacts; it’s a tribute to the people who once called District Six home. Its permanent exhibition, Digging Deeper, shares powerful personal stories from former residents. Explore at your own pace or book a guided tour for a deeper insight into this meaningful space. 

Location: 25A Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town
Website: www.districtsix.co.za

The Book Lounge 

The Book Lounge is every book lover’s dream. More than just a bookstore, it’s a space where stories and ideas come alive. Browse through the curated shelves filled with local and international bestsellers, short story collections, and new releases. With regular author events and book launches, there’s always something happening at the store. And when you’re ready for a break, settle in at the in-store coffee shop.  

Location: Cnr Buitenkant and 71 Roeland St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: booklounge.co.za

For The Record 

Vinyl enthusiasts seeking rare finds, timeless classics, and the latest releases across all genres will discover a treasure trove at For the Record. The shop was established by a father-and-daughter duo who share a passion for music and vinyl collecting. And while you’re there, don’t miss Vintage with Love, a vintage clothing store where you can browse unique fashion pieces.  

Location: 46A Canterbury St, District Six
Website: fortherecordvinyl.co.za


Homecoming Centre 

This multi-purpose event and education space celebrates arts, performance, learning, and community. Its diverse facilities include Star Theatre, the Avalon Auditorium, Bits ‘n Pieces galleries, Tafel and workspaces, along with an on-site café operated by The HCC Cafe team.  

Location: 15 Buitenkant Street, District Six
Website: www.homecomingcentre.co.za

Castle of Good Hope 

The Castle of Good Hope is one of South Africa’s oldest surviving buildings, serving as the heart of civilian, political, and military life in the Cape since 1666. Today, it stands as one of the finest examples of well-preserved 17th-century DEIC architecture in the world. Visitors can explore the exhibitions, enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, browse unique finds in the gift shop, or take in the views.  

Location: Castle St, Foreshore
Website: www.castleofgoodhope.co.za

State of the ART Gallery 

State of the ART Gallery is one of Cape Town’s top venues for contemporary art. The gallery features a diverse range of innovative works from both local and international artists, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. It hosts curated exhibitions and immersive installations.  

Location: The Square, 50 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: www.stateoftheart-gallery.com

Where to Eat and Drink 

The Cousins Italian Restaurant 

Get a taste of Italy at The Cousins. The menu includes Italian favourites, from hand-crafted pasta to a tempting range of antipasti. Finish your meal with traditional desserts like tiramisu or panna cotta. Perfectly complemented by a glass of Italian wine for the authentic experience. 

Location: 3b Barrack St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: thecousinsrestaurant.com/ 

New York Bagels 

Get your fix at New York Bagels, where traditional handmade (and boiled!) bagels are baked fresh throughout the day. Select from a range of fillings, from classic favourites to inventive combinations that add excitement. And don’t miss a slice of their famous cheesecake! 

Location: 44 Harrington St, District Six
Website: www.facebook.com/NYBCT/ 

Truth Coffee 

If you enjoy good coffee served in a gritty, industrial-chic setting, then Truth Coffee is the perfect Cape Town coffee shop for you. Walking into Truth Coffee is like stepping into a Victorian futuristic fantasy. Steampunk enthusiasts will be amazed by the bespoke décor. More importantly than the interior is the coffee: strong and full of flavour. 

Location: 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre.
Website: www.truth.capetown

Truth Coffee

Fyn Restaurant 

Voted one of the world’s 100 best restaurants, Fyn is revolutionising fine dining and flavours. Culinary stars Peter Tempelhoff, Ashley Moss, and Jennifer Hugé lead this award-winning eatery, blending Japanese precision with South African tastes in an urban, industrial-chic setting. The menu is thoughtfully curated, offering pescatarian and plant-based options.  

Location: 37 Parliament St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: fynrestaurant.com/ 

Art of Duplicity 

Art of Duplicity is luxurious, glamorous, and hush-hush. Situated in a renovated 1894 Victorian warehouse, this speakeasy draws inspiration from the USA’s Prohibition era, a time when illegal venues served alcoholic drinks. To uncover its secrets, you must first book in advance. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a password, address, and a series of instructions. What happens next, well, that’s a secret. 

Location: You will receive the exact location upon making a booking.
Website: 170120.co.za

Lebanese Bakery 

This eatery serves Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring delights such as khobz bread, ka’ak bread, and mana’oush. Pair it with authentic Turkish coffee or a cup of laban. The extensive menu accommodates all dietary preferences, including vegetarian and halal options. The eatery also functions as a charming deli, serving everything from baba ganoush to hummus, falafel, labneh, za’atar, and more.   

Location: 7 Constitution St, Cape Town
Website: lebanesebakery.co.za 

Tommy’s Chop Shop 

Not your average bar, Tommy’s Chop Shop operates on one principle: Be Good. Or Be Gone.  Designed to feel like a real chop shop, the space radiates a gritty atmosphere with cars and car parts hanging from the walls. Outside, a food truck offers tasty bites to enhance the experience. 

Location: 50 Canterbury St, District Six
Website: https://justlikepapa.com/pages/tommys-chop-shop 

Harringtons 

Harringtons is a stylish cocktail lounge, restaurant, and upmarket bar, making it your go-to destination for delicious food, drinks, and events. Lounge in one of the plush velvet booths and prepare to let the night unfold in true Harringtons style. 

Location: 61B Harrington Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town
Website: www.thefirmct.co.za/harringtons 

MamaCitas 

Inspired by the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles and the delicious flavours of Mexico, Mamacita’s extensive Margarita menu is paired with an equally impressive range of food. With live music on weekends, it’s the ideal spot to unwind with your mates. 

Location:  75 Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town
Website: mamacitas.co.za/ 

 

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The post Your Neighbourhood Guide to the East City Precinct appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

AMA

Narrow Path to Recovery: Finding a Climate-Smart Pathway and Stabilizing South Sudan’s Economy

MaraviPost

Washington, USA, 05 February 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Two new World Bank Group reports released today underscore that South Sudan stands at a critical crossroads, where restoring public finances and taking urgent, climate-smart action are essential to reversing economic decline and placing the country on a sustainable development path. The new Public Finance Review (PFR) and Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) warn that intensifying climate shocks, combined with weak fiscal management, is driving a dangerous cycle of fragility, conflict, displacement, and deepening poverty.

The reports find that devastating floods, rising temperatures, and increasingly frequent climate shocks are already reshaping livelihoods, weakening the economy, and heightening social vulnerability—particularly for women, pastoralists, and resource-dependent communities. These pressures are compounding long-standing structural constraints: despite vast oil resources, South Sudan’s development has stalled due to fragile institutions, opaque revenue management, misallocation of public spending, and elevated macroeconomic vulnerabilities.

The Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) projects that South Sudan will require over US$13 billion in climate adaptation investments by 2050. Extreme flooding, now considered the ‘new normal’ covers up to one-quarter of the country in severe years, cutting communities off from essential services, damaging livelihoods, and contributing to widespread food insecurity. Climate change is also projected to cause substantial declines in labor productivity, livestock revenues, and crop yields, including an 8% reduction in sorghum yields by 2050 under hotter climate conditions.

The Public Finance Review (PFR) documents how volatility and eroded fiscal space have been driven by extreme oil dependence, combined with underinvestment, disruptions to Sudan’s export infrastructure, and governance gaps. According to the report, public spending averages 35% of GDP but is skewed toward administration, security, and rule of law, while health, education, and social protection remain severely underfunded. Salary arrears are widespread, and average public wages have collapsed in real terms.

“The PFR provides a timely and actionable roadmap for restoring economic stability in South Sudan. As a government, we are committed to taking immediate steps by accelerating the implementation of Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms and strengthening budget discipline. These reforms are essential to rebuild trust, stabilize our economy, and deliver basic services to our people,” said Honorable Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, Undersecretary of Planning in the Ministry of Finance, Republic of South Sudan.

The PFR recommends the government take action to help stabilize inflation, strengthen the exchange rate, rebuild trust with partners, and open the door for deeper reforms, including: Committing to transferring all oil revenues into the National Revenue Fund and publishing quarterly oil data to rebuild confidence in resource management; Prioritizing monthly salary payments to stabilize public administration and frontline service delivery; Publishing budget execution reports, annual financial statements, and the full list of capital projects to strengthen transparency and accountability; Refraining from entering any new non-concessional or ‑oil-backed‑ borrowing agreements that jeopardize future revenues; Following procurement rules for crude oil sales and ensure Parliamentary oversight for all prepayment arrangements.

“South Sudan stands at a pivotal moment – climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is a daily reality, reshaping the country’s economy and communities. However, by improving public financial management, prioritizing climate-smart policies and investments, strengthening institutions, and protecting essential services, South Sudan can place itself on a more resilient and sustainable development path,” said Charles Undeland, World Bank Group Country Manager for South Sudan. “The World Bank Group stands ready to continue supporting the government in these critical steps,” he added.

The CCDR underscores that South Sudan’s natural wealth is in its fertile land, water systems, and renewable energy potential which can be engines of growth. The report highlights inclusive, climate-informed growth as a key pathway to greater resilience for South Sudan. It identifies five priorities to address the climate impact in South Sudan:

  • Strengthen flood management, including early warning systems, community‑led preparedness, and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.
  • Invest in climate‑resilient agriculture and livestock systems, including improved seeds, sustainable grazing systems, and better access to water.
  • Scale up off‑grid renewable energy solutions, essential for resilience, health services, education, and economic diversification.
  • Accelerate governance and public financial management reforms to direct more resources toward climate‑smart investments.
  • Enable responsible, sustainable use of natural capital especially forests, fisheries, and wildlife to support rural livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.

The World Bank Group Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs) are a core tool for integrating climate and development. CCDRs assist countries in identifying and prioritizing actions that address greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation needs in ways that align with broader development objectives. These reports provide data, research, cost assessments, and suggest priority actions to facilitate a low-carbon, resilient transition. They are intended to guide governments, the public, private sector, and partners by feeding into the World Bank’s diagnostics and operations to enhance funding for effective climate action.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

Contacts
Addis Ababa: Gelila Woodeneh, (+251) 911 50 1196, gwoodeneh@worldbank.org
Juba: Lomoro A. John Sindani, (+211) 925 472 380, lsindani@worldbankgroup.org

The post Narrow Path to Recovery: Finding a Climate-Smart Pathway and Stabilizing South Sudan’s Economy appeared first on African Media Agency.

Law and order, Malawi

Chakwera assents amended electoral law

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera has approved the much awaited the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Elections (Amendment) Bill.

According to Presidential Press Secretary Anthony Kasunda, the Malawi leader has exercised the powers granted to him under Section 89 of the Constitution.

The amendment of the law allows polling staff, candidate representatives, political party members, and security agency officers to vote at the polling stations where they are assigned.

The development comes days after Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe appealed to Chakwera to assent the bill into law to facilitate Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) proper planning purposes ahead of September 16 polls.